William Eichler 26 February 2018

Ely has ‘no genuine rough sleepers’, council claims

A Cambridgeshire council argues they have ‘no genuine rough sleepers’ in their area as England’s smallest city experiences increase in begging.

The Cambridgeshire city of Ely, which only has a population of 20,000, has reportedly experienced a large increase in begging from people who appear to be homeless.

Angela Parmenter, housing and community safety manager at East Cambridgeshire District Council, says her team search Ely city centre daily to help rough sleepers.

She says there are ‘no genuine rough sleepers in East Cambs’.

‘We are aware of people begging in Ely city centre,’ says Ms Parmenter.

‘Unfortunately, we cannot make any individual engage with us or accept any accommodation that has been offered. However, we will always continue to try.

‘Officers have been out every day since Thursday and spoken to three people who appear to be homeless.

‘All three have again been offered emergency accommodation but all three have refused and have stated that they are not actually sleeping rough.’

'Cambridgeshire Constabulary is always sympathetic towards vulnerable people in hardship,' said a spokesperson for the police.

'We praise the excellent work of East Cambs District Council, who’s housing team seek out and speak to anyone who begs for money on the streets of Ely.

'They have done a superb job of getting people into warm long term accommodation, and this is crucial with the current dangers of cold weather.

'There is no complacency on this issue and we cannot speak about the significant problem of homelessness nationally.

'We always advise people who wish to help, to donate to reputable charities, or to give food or warm drinks instead of money.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,887.12 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Peatland Project Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 to £39,152 per annum
We are seeking to fill a Peatland Support Officer position to support the North Pennines National Landscape’s peatland work. This opportunity is ideal Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Executive Director Adult Services & Housing

Somerset Council
to £150k
There’s a distinctive, energising sense of excitement and possibility Somerset
Recuriter: Somerset Council

Service Director - Children’s Commissioning & Performance

Somerset Council
to £121k
Our new Children & Young People’s plan was co-produced with the energetic input of over 6,000 children across Somerset. Somerset
Recuriter: Somerset Council

Assistant Director - Regulatory

South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils
£80,161- £92,306
We offer flexible working hours for most office-based roles, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. Norfolk
Recuriter: South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils
Linkedin Banner